Saturday, March 25, 2017

Books, Beauty, Venice, Manolo Blahnik, and Grand Adventures...

THE YEAR OF ADVENTURES

I know it's only March, but there's a definite theme emerging for many people this year, and it's one of adventure. Have you noticed how everyone's planning an adventure in 2017? Not just a trip, but a grand journey, usually to some remote or poetic place? Is it to get away from everything that's happening in the world? Or just a reaction to all the cheap airfares and / or extraordinary exhibitions opening this spring? (Dior, Balenciaga, more Dior...)

Unfortunately, our travel budget is tight this year, and I'm tethered to work projects, so I had to find an adventure that was a) affordable and b) easy to get to -- preferably in a weekend. The answer was at the end of a 2-hour train ride from Milan, on a misty, wintry, Friday afternoon in February....

Venice.

During Carnevale.

And I can't recommend this adventure enough.

A WATERY, WEEKEND ADVENTURE IN VENICE

If you've never been to Venice, go in February. The costumes, wigs, hats, whimsy, watery backdrop, lagoon sunrises, and languid boat trips up the Grand Canal at the end of each foggy afternoon will lift your spirits faster than a fine prosecco. It is a city like no other. And during Carnevale, it becomes a magnificent mise-en-scène that is unparalleled anywhere in the world.

But if you're considering going to Venice, the best thing to do is not to plan too much. Just book a pretty boutique hotel, and there are plenty available to choose from. (I stayed at AD Place near Piazza San Marco, which has a wonderful Fortuny-like entrance of fabrics, exquisitely pretty striped rooms, and fantastic free breakfasts.) Then grab a map, tuck it in your pocket, and prepare to get lost amongst the grey-blue canals, because that's the best way to experience Venice.

See the Fortuny Museum (beautiful, but read AS Byatt's book on Fortuny before you do), have dinner at the Aman Hotel (extraordinary interiors), or just buy a mask and join the crowds with their feathers and fun.

On the Saturday afternoon, having watched the judging of the elaborate costumes in the piazza, I grabbed a Bellini (Venice's famous drink) and sat in the sun in front of the Giardini Reali garden, watching the gondoliers and boats come and go. Dozens of others were doing the same. I'm certain we will all remember that moment, sitting on the steps in the winter sun as the Venetian watercraft went by.

Venice offered the kind of simple bliss that many of us long for in our lives. All is took was a Bellini and a view to make the heart sing. That's what the best adventures are made of, I think. Simple things.

If you're heading to Venice this year, there are some good books out about the city. Skye McAlpine's beautiful book on her life in Venice is particularly lovely -- and she offers some tips to finding the best of 'Secret Venice' here -- LINK. Her Venetian blog is also worth a look -- HERE(Her photographs are stunning.)

There are also new books about Venice from Assouline, including one shot by the talented Australian-New York photographer Robyn Lea. (See post below.)

A SARTORIAL ADVENTURE IN MILAN

In Milan that same week, I finished a meeting early so I decided to slip in another adventure -- this time of the embroidered variety: the magnificent Manolo Blahnik Exhibition, 'The Art of Shoes', at the quietly grand Palazzo Morando.

One of the best fashion retrospectives I've ever seen, this free exhibition (until April 9) spans almost 50 years of Mr Blahnik's collections and inspirations -- including his own grand adventures.

Geographical influences are evident in many of his shoes (his love of Greece, antiquities and architecture certainly shows), but the 'Nature' room is perhaps the most beautiful part of the exhibition. Shoes designed with floral flowers, ivy, leaves, and other embroidered botanical motifs form a kind of romantic greenhouse. Even Manolo Blahnik confesses that he has a soft spot for his garden-inspired designs, particularly 'Ivy', the shoe that he created in 1972 for English fashion designer Ossie Clark.

If you can't make it to Milan, there's a beautiful book to accompany the exhibition,The Art of Shoes, published by Rizzoli.

MANOLO BLAHNIK: THE ART OF SHOES

PALAZZO MORANDO, MILAN. UNTIL APRIL 9.

(THEN TOURING TO MADRID, TORONTO AND OTHER CITIES.)

A BLOOMSBURY ADVENTURE IN LONDON

In London, I was lucky enough to catch another stunning exhibition, Vanessa Bell: 1879-1941, which chronicles the remarkable life and career of Vanessa Bell, who is finally achieving her own fame away from her sister Virginia Woolf and the rest of the outrageously talented Bloomsbury Set.

The exhibition, at the Dulwich Gallery, isn't large, but is imbued with glorious, Bloomsbury-esque beauty, most notably in the paintings, portraits, letters, still lives, landscapes, notes, drawings, and photos of Charleston and the characters who lived, loved, gardened, painted, fought and loved again in the bucolic charm of the now-famous farmhouse.

There's a great Guardian article called Design and Desires: How Vanessa Bell Put The Bloom in Bloomsbury here -- LINK. And there are several good biographies about Bell, the best of which is Frances Spalding's fantastic book.

Or look for a copy of the March issue of UK Harper's Bazaar, which has several articles about the exhibition and also Charleston. (They might now be online). The most touching tribute in Harper's was an article by Bell's granddaughter, Virginia Nicholson, who praises her grandmother's "adventurousness".

One of the things I've learned after being in publishing and books for so long is how far a gracious attitude will take you. Gratitude and thank-you emails are also important, of course -- in any career -- but being kind is imperative.I always try and practice kindness, even when situations are difficult, or relationships become strained, or illness / fatigue or other wearying factors test the patience. But I'm far from perfect. And I often fall down under the pressure of stress. But I always get up from the floor, apologise, and keep trying. Because graciousness and kindness are more important than ever. They're the only things that will get us through this turbulent year, I think.

Bestselling author and photographer Robyn Lea is an example of real kindness -- and how it can take you far in life. Formerly based in Milan and New York, Robyn now travels between Australia and the rest of the world for her work, and her photography schedule makes me dizzy! She is working on 10 (I think? It could be more?) books at the moment, including several Assouline titles. She is the epitome of an adventurous spirit.

This is her library and work space. Gorgeous, non?

But when I popped in to see her recently, what impressed me even more than her adventurous spirit was her generosity. She put me onto a contact of hers who is scouting for new stories for SBS, which then springboarded into a meeting next week. Even if it doesn't amount to anything, I was deeply touched by the gesture.

This is her beautiful new book, Dinner With Georgia O'Keefe. It's out now (Assouline), and is a follow-up to the New York Times bestseller Dinner with Jackson Pollack.

Both titles are filled with beautiful photos and delicious recipes, and would make gorgeous gifts!

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LONDON SECRETS

NEW BOOKS

GARDENS OF STYLE: PRIVATE HIDEAWAYS OF THE FASHION AND DESIGN WORLD A new book of gardens, interiors, design, and style, published by Rizzoli New York Publishers inApril 2018.

BEYOND THE ROCK: THE STORY OF JOAN LINDSAY AND THE MYSTERY OF PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK. A biography of Joan Lindsay, the enigmatic author of the internationally celebrated novel Picnic at Hanging Rock. Published by Bonnier / Echo (part of Swedish / UK group Bonnier). Now available in bookstores, and online.

LONDON SECRETS. An illustrated guidebook to London, published by Images Publishing (US / UK / Australia). A companion to the bestselling PARIS SECRETS. Now available in bookstores and online.

WELCOME TO THE LIBRARY

Janelle McCulloch is a journalist, author and photographer of more than 20 books on architecture, interior design, travel and gardens, including several bestselling design titles. OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.janellemcculloch-officialwebsite.com

TORY BURCH IN COLOR

NEW YORK IN STYLE (2014)

PROVENCE IN THE AUSTRALIAN NEWSPAPER

PROVENCE BOOK ON THE COVER OF THE AUSTRALIAN NEWSPAPER (NATIONAL BROADSHEET)

NEW YORK IN QANTAS MAGAZINE OCT 2014

NEW YORK IN STYLE IN QANTAS MAGAZINE OCT 2014 (Click on image for link and mini NY shopping guide)

PARIS BOOK & MIRANDA KERR IN THE COVETEUR

DESIGN IN BLACK & WHITE IN US VOGUE

DESIGN IN BLACK & WHITE IN US VOGUE

GARDENESQUE TOURS

www.gardenesquetours.com

A FEW NICE REVIEWS…

Take a stroll through the real Paris with Janelle McCulloch's beautifully photographed and gorgeously packaged book. Visually rich and totally inspiring, Paris is a treasure for lovers of art, style, design and food. Anthropologie New York

More secret addresses from the well-travelled Janelle McCulloch, Paris Secrets is an ode to the City of Light. C’est si bon! Australian Vogue

The City of Love can be grimy, chaotic and a rip-off but Janelle McCulloch gives Paris buff and shine. Lisa Carapiet, The Australian Financial Review

One of the loveliest books to arrive on my desk this year… Holly Kerry Forsyth (on Country Estates of Australia) in The Weekend Australian newspaper.

For Francophiles, Janelle McCulloch's words and photographs in Provence and the Cote D'Azur deliver a decent French fix. Anyone unsure exactly what appeals to so many about the south of France is most likely to be convinced of the region's charm, beauty and style after perusing McCulloch's photo-filled tome. Adelaide Advertiser newspaer.

The prettiest guesthouses and hotels in Provence… The Weekend Australian newspaper (front cover).

In her recent book, Design in Black and White, Janelle McCulloch writes that black and white is being rediscovered. One of the reasons for this revival is that black and white is impervious to fashion.” Simon Caterson, The Weekend Australian newspaper.

Janelle McCulloch's writes with the heart of a romantic. How could anyone not enjoy seeing Paris through her eyes? Peggy Kopman-Owens, Amazon.

I loved this book. It's definitely the most interesting guidebook for Paris I've ever read. She mentioned a lot of really interesting shops and museums. The pictures are stunning and her writing isn't half bad. (I really liked how she wrote about the character of each arrondissement.) Good job Janelle McCulloch! Amanda M. Amazon

If you haven't yet visited Paris, this is the book that will make you want to get there before you die. As you delve into the well thoughtout pages you will practically feel the Parisian atmosphere and picture the offbeat, out-of-the-way spots and the famous landmarks! In a word, this book is: Captivating! Angus & Robertson website.

McCulloch captures the delight of these gardens {in a book that] provides the reader with a wealth of ideas. Chicago Botanic Garden, on The Modern Kitchen Garden

Her latest book is a visual feast of more than 500 glorious photographs of both classical and modern designs. ABC Radio on The Modern Kitchen Garden